Local News
Missing Chantrel Donegan found safe
UPDATE: Chantrel Donegan is found safe.
A search is underway for Chantrel Donegan, a beloved member of the Huntsville, Alabama community, who has been reported missing.
Her brother, Byron A. Donegan, took to social media, posting an emotional plea for help: “Alright y’all, I never thought I would have to do this, but if anyone has seen or heard from my sister, Chantrél Donegan, please reach out and let me know. My mom said they haven’t seen or heard from her since Sunday at church. I just want to make sure she’s alright.”
Chantrel was last seen attending services at Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church, and since then, her family and friends have been unable to contact her.
The church, deeply concerned for Chantrel’s safety, issued a public message to the community:
“Hello Huntsville, AL, and surrounding areas! One of our own members, whom we love dearly, is missing—Ms. Chantrél Donegan. We ask for your prayers for her safe return! If you have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Huntsville Police Department or reach out to her brother, Byron A. Donegan.”
The family, church community, and Huntsville Police Department are all actively seeking any leads or information that may help locate Chantrel.
Anyone who may have seen or heard from her is urged to come forward and help bring her home safely.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.